We may be reaching critical mass in the belief that this pathetic field of Republican candidates has jumped the shark
even many Republicans have come to that conclusion. Politico today cites several sources that Jeb Bush said this during a post-speech question and answer session the other night in Dallas: I used to be a conservative, and I watch these debates and Im wondering, I dont think Ive changed, but its a little troubling sometimes when people are appealing to peoples fears and emotion rather than trying to get them to look over the horizon for a broader perspective, and thats kind of where we are.
You must understand: Jeb Bush really is a conservative, and a thoughtful one at that. And yet, he manages to live on this planet, in this country, in the 21st century, and has a track record of actually trying to solve the problems were facing without denying that they exist or demagoguing them. He obviously senses that the current Republican candidates are on a Jonestown course, drinking the Rush Limbaugh Kool-Aid on a wide variety of issues.
It is especially sad to watch Mitt Romney, who is not an unintelligent man, make such a fool of himself on so many issues. Part of his alleged electability had to do with the fact that he was not insane, that he could appeal to moderates and independentsthe sliver where presidential elections are won and lost. But Ive not yet seen him say, Whoa guys, thats a little bit extreme for my tastes in any of these debates, much less disagree with his opponents from the center. Instead, he hasshamelessly and sometimes hilariouslytried to portray himself as righter than thou whenever the opportunity arises.
This hasnt worked particularly well with the wing-nutswho are, by the way, more radical than they are conservativeand, if Romney wins the nomination, his history of posturing is likely to be cataclysmic in the general election. Jeb Bush is clearly frustrated by the byplay, and his fellow Republicans would be wise to heed his words.